David Cromwell, former Princeton Police captain, firefighter and first aid squad member, dies at 75

Princeton native David Cromwell, who served on the Princeton Township police force for more than a quarter century, died on Nov. 23, surrounded by his family. He was 75.

The son of Kenneth and Erna Cromwell, he was born and raised in Princeton and later lived in Hamilton and Robbinsville. He moved to Manahawkin after he retired.

David was a proud member of the first graduating class of Notre Dame High School, class of 1961, and was recently inducted into the Notre Dame Hall of Fame. He served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the destroyers USS Rooks and USS Bordelon before attending Rider College to study criminal justice. His dream job to serve on the Princeton Township Police force came true in 1968 after he graduated first in his class at the New Jersey Police Academy. He rose to the rank of captain and retired in 1995 after receiving two awards of valor and being named policeman of the year by the American Legion.

David spent his entire adult life in community service as a fireman with Princeton Fire Company, and 31 years with the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad as a line officer. After retirement, he served as the treasurer of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Company. He was a volunteer in the emergency room of Southern Ocean Medical Center, and as an IT enthusiast he taught basic computer skills to senior citizens. David held licenses for both fixed-wing aircrafts and helicopters, and also enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled planes and helicopters. As an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Beach Haven Terrace, he served as treasurer for ten years. He was a former member of the Peddie Golf Course and the Myrtle Beach Golf Club, and was pleased to have had three holes-in-one. He had a lifelong passion for poker and took people’s money whenever he could.

David is survived by his wife, Carol Linda Cromwell; sons William Kenneth Cromwell (Gayle), Jason Douglas Cromwell (Michelle); grandchildren Adam, Paige, Mason and Ryan; his brother, Robert Cromwell (Rosa); and his sister, Kim Cromwell (Kath), as well as nieces, nephews and their spouses.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 101 E. New Jersey Avenue, Beach Haven Terrace. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church.